Real Bride Emma wears Myrtus by Alena Leena
When Emma and her now-husband made the last-minute decision to elope, they had just two months to pull off the perfect wedding. While most couples take years to plan their big day, Emma’s whirlwind wedding plans were a little more… urgent. But that didn’t stop her from finding the dress. Her dream gown was out there waiting for her, and she found it at The Veil Collective in the most unexpected way.
Emma had no idea what to expect when she first walked into The Veil Collective. She’d heard about the boutique from her best friend, but she wasn’t sure if she’d find a dress that both fit her style and her budget. After all, this was a place filled with beautiful gowns from stunning designers—would she really find something that worked in just a few short weeks? Spoiler alert: she absolutely did.
With the entire boutique to herself, Emma felt instantly special. Her stylist, working her magic, handpicked five sample dresses for Emma to try on—each one flattering her shape and fitting her budget. But it was Myrtus by Alena Leena that really captured her attention. Emma wasn’t expecting to fall for a dress that sparkled, but this gown had a way of making her feel more radiant than she could have imagined. She was smiling so much she couldn't help but think, this is it.
Emma’s vision for her elopement was crystal clear. She wanted something intimate, romantic, and above all, stress-free. After years of envisioning a traditional wedding, she was ready to embrace the simplicity of eloping—and boy, did she make it magical. She found the perfect venue at The Verandah House Country Estate at Tamborine Mountain, a hidden gem that felt like a luxury escape.
As for the dress? She thought she wanted something simple—until she slipped into Myrtus and realized that simple wasn’t the vibe she was going for at all. What started as a quest for understated simplicity quickly turned into a love affair with sparkles, and Emma couldn't have been happier. She felt like a true bride in Myrtus—a gown that was simple in silhouette but breathtaking in its aura.
On her wedding day, Emma was dreading the moment she would have to take it off at the end of their soiree. And the best part? She’ll get to wear it again! Emma’s plan is to have it altered into a chic midi length for a 2025 celebration with family and friends. Because why not rock the dress again? When Emma revealed her gown to her sister—the only witness to the elopement—tears were instantly flowing. And during the first look with her now-husband, his reaction confirmed what she already knew: he loved it.
For brides who are short on time and on a budget, Emma has a message: don’t panic. You can still find the dress of your dreams, even on a tight timeline. Emma found her dream gown just six weeks before her elopement. Despite the time crunch, the dress was dry-cleaned and altered in time and looked brand new. So, if you’re feeling pressure to find your dress fast—take a deep breath. There’s still time.
Like any good love story, Emma’s wedding journey had its fair share of challenges. First, finding a dress was an emotional rollercoaster—she admits that if she had started at The Veil Collective, she could’ve skipped a lot of stress. But, as she says, "Sometimes it’s just part of the process." And when their celebrant caught COVID on the big day? Emma didn’t let that spoil the fun. Despite the last-minute hiccup, everything worked out beautifully.
Emma’s story is a testament to the fact that, even with last-minute changes and a tight budget, the perfect dress is always within reach.
Emma’s Dream Team
Venue - The Veranda House Country Estate | Photographer - Kylie Nicole Photography | Celebrant - Just Love Celebrancy | Flowers - Florabunda Flowers | Dress - Alena Leena Bridal, The Veil Collective | Seamstress - Skilled Stitches Australia | Hair and Makeup - Prive Hair Australia | 4 Course Private Dinner - Blue Plate Catering